Campus Ceremony Showcases New Master’s Grads
Medical Health Sciences MS Candidates Walk Stage Inside Lander Hall, Ready to Take on Next Challenges
Touro University California completed a series of commencement ceremonies May 22 by awarding Master’s degrees to 59 graduates of a medical health sciences program, with many of the students on track to begin classes this fall to become osteopathic physicians.
Dr. Alan Miller, Program Director for the Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences program, served as emcee for the ceremony to honor the MSMHS degree candidates inside Lander Hall on the TUC campus. Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tami Hendriksz, DO Class of 2006 and Dean and CAO of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, welcomed the assembled graduates and later conferred their degrees.
“As I look out at all of you – our newest graduates – I see the future of health care. You have worked tirelessly to complete a program that is both rigorous and deeply rewarding,” Hendriksz said. “Today marks a significant milestone in your journey, and it is a tremendous achievement.”
Program Offers Clear Path Forward
The Master’s program turned to a graduate from last year to share some words of inspiration with the current class.
“Today is a celebration of your hard work, perseverance, and dedication to your goals,” Student Doctor Simran Kaur, a 2024 alumna of the MSMHS program, told the assembled Master’s program graduates. “You’ve challenged yourselves, embraced new opportunities, and grown in ways that will shape your future. This moment is yours – take pride in it and know that your efforts have brought you to an incredible milestone.”
Hendriksz praised the graduates on their achievements.
“The MSMHS program is intentionally demanding. It’s designed to provide an intensive pre-health foundation that not only prepares you academically, but challenges you to grow as individuals, researchers, and members of a collaborative health care community,” Hendriksz said. “Each of you has risen to the challenge.”
“You’ve left your mark on this campus, and I know our university and our broader community are better for having had you here,” she said.
Student Speakers Share Experiences
The Class of 2025 chose two of their own to speak during the ceremony: Mustafa AlRubaye and Oliver Muise.
“Graduation doesn’t just mark the end of a program – it’s a reminder of who we’ve become through it,” AlRubaye said. “We’re not the same people who began this journey months ago. We are more resilient, more grounded, and more prepared – not only for the next academic step, but for the communities we hope to serve.”
“It has been an unforgettable experience completing this program with all of you,” Muise said. “As we head into our next journey, whether that’s staying here at Touro, heading to another school, or continuing with another health profession, I want you all to know that the knowledge we have gained this past year, the long nights and the 32 exams that we complained about, is knowledge that will help us save lives.”